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If you’re stressing over what to write inside a wedding card you’re not alone. After all, cards are a big deal at a wedding! Here’s how to write an awesome wedding card message that will really mean something to the happy couple.
Let’s do a really quick brainstorm together. When you think of what’s written inside of a wedding card, what immediately comes to mind? Between the message written down and the one printed on the card… did you come up with some one-liners like, “congratulations,” “best wishes,” and “here’s to many happy years”? Yup. Stock. Boring. They can be read in two seconds.
Let’s fix that, shall we?
If you have ever wondered how to write a wedding card, you are in the right spot!
Some of the best things that my spouse and I received for our wedding were the messages that people took the time to write in the cards. I wholeheartedly encourage you to take the extra 5 minutes and give that message. Regardless of whether or not you can afford to give a gift, you can take the time and effort to give a really nice card. If you are, in fact, giving a monetary gift, read up on these key tips for giving cash wedding gifts.
How to Write a Wedding Card
Step One: Get a nice card. I like to get them from my local gift shop or the letterpress shop. You could always order a few cute wedding cards from Amazon, so you have a stash handy.
Step Two: Do not think of this as a card, think of it as a letter. That will help you get some ideas going and make the task a little bit easier.
Step Three: Write something that you actually mean, not that you don’t sincerely mean best wishes for the future, but try to customize it a little bit more.
What to Write Inside a Wedding Card
Here are some thoughts to get you started on writing the most memorable and valued card in the pile ;-)
Thoughtful Messages
- What would you say if you were the maid of honour or the best man?
- Tell the story of how you met your friend(s).
- Tell the story of the first time you met your friend’s new spouse.
- Remind the couple of a good time that you had together, or that really deep conversation around the campfire one night.
- Tell your friend(s) that you really appreciate their friendship and are glad that you know each other.
- A thank-you for being able to attend and share in their special day.
- A heartfelt wish for the future makes a good sign off, such as the standard lines we brainstormed earlier.
- quote or verse about marriage. Here are some quotes and here are some more.
Advice for the New Couple
- A bit of advice that you have received in the past about marriage/relationships and wish to pass on.
- An instruction to do what they wish with your cash gift.
- A wish that they enjoy the X that you gave them. This can be very helpful if cards and gifts are separated, or if gifts are delivered with missing information. Putting a gift receipt in your card can also be extremely handy!
- A suggestion for a family tradition to start, or one that your family has that you recommend.
Fun and Funny Ideas
- Remind the couple of a funny story that involves all of you (or at the very least the person you are closest with).
- Warn the new spouse about a funny quirk the other one had when you were kids, when you were roommates, when you were in class, etc.
- A joke about relationships, but make sure that it won’t offend the couple.
- Draw a picture. If you have a kid, have them draw a picture. Use crayons, draw stick figures, whatever.
- If you’re feeling sassy, you can generously offer to accept re-gifts of any spare toasters or croc pots.
What Not to Write in a Wedding Card
- Comments about potential offspring, unless you know that someone is dying to have kids. Many people are sick of being asked about babies at this point.
- Stories that are too inappropriate for others to read – grandma or mom and dad might also read these cards!
- Cards that are only directed at one half of the couple – you’re celebrating the joining of both of them!
- Mentioning the exes of either half of the couple. (Thanks to Love to Know for that one.)
- Just signing your name.
Now, if you do a few of the above and none of the “Things to Avoid,” you can give yourself a pat on the back. You will have written one of the best wedding cards that the couple receives. Congratulations. (See what I did there?)
PS – Also write something in the guest book. Chances are good someone spent a lot of time thinking about the design of the guest book.